Mets announce signing of J.D. Martinez

The New York Mets announced Saturday that they signed six-time All-Star J.D. Martinez to a one-year contract.Financial terms were not disclosed by the team, however multiple media outlets reported it was worth $12 million.The contract reportedly will pay Martinez just $4.5 million in 2024, with the rest deferred to be paid $1.5 million annually from 2034-38. The deferrals will save the Mets significant money in terms of luxury tax.Martinez, 36, was an All-Star for the third season in a row last year. In his lone season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he hit .271 with a .321 on-base percentage, a .572 slugging percentage, 33 homers and 103 RBIs over 113 games in 2023.”J.D. is a veteran major league player with a proven track record,” said David Stearns, Mets president of baseball operations. “His valuable bat will provide protection and extend the lineup. His addition to the club continues our commitment to compete in 2024 and beyond.”To make room for Martinez, the Mets designated right-hander Phil Bickford for assignment.Martinez lost his spot in Los Angeles when the team signed two-way star Shohei Ohtani, who will be limited to designated hitter duties for most or all of this year while recovering from an arm injury.Martinez spent the previous five years in Boston, helping the Red Sox win the 2018 World Series, a year in which he led the majors with 130 RBIs.

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